Independent ASC owners looking to expand their practice face a difficult set of circumstances in 2025 as hospitals, health systems and corporate entities grow their influence over the market and the cost of operations continues to climb.
Joe White, CEO and founder of Send-It Healthcare, a physician staffing marketplace, recently joined Becker’s to discuss the ways that ASCs can expand their operations while maintaining their independence.
Editor’s note: This response has been lightly edited for clarity and length:
Joe White. CEO and Founder of Send-It Healthcare: It really comes down to the fundamentals: improving revenue and managing costs. A strong balance sheet gives owners the capital needed to expand operations and reduces pressure to seek strategic partners who may compromise your autonomy.
On the revenue side, leverage the emerging analytics companies that benchmark your reimbursement against other centers—use this data to negotiate competitive rates across all contracts. It’s also critical to understand and cultivate your revenue stream partnerships.
For expenses, you must be vigilant with every line item, especially labor. Create a culture of accountability among employees and vendors. Stay focused on your long-term vision; don’t be swayed by market fluctuations or competitor actions.
Continuously refine your processes, then refine them again. The best offense is a good defense. The operational habits and systems you build determine your center’s defensibility and long-term independence.
